Chances for admission to accounting phd? Mention kid?
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23 May 2011, 23:27
Hi, I'm planning on applying to an accounting phd program for Fall 2012 but I'm really uncertain about my prospects and I was wondering if anybody would be willing to share some thoughts or insight about my chances. While working on my bachelor's, I had a child and, after graduation, I spent a few years taking care of him while taking accounting classes part-time. I got my Masters in accountancy and took a job at a regional accounting firm mainly due to family/personal considerations, where I'm currently in my second year as a tax staff. I'm just concerned that my low undergrad GPA, (kind of) unusual background, and lack of big firm experience would work to my disadvantage in the application process. Although a lot of my background revolves around family considerations, I'm afraid of mentioning having a child since I'm afraid it makes me look less committed!
Academics:
UGPA: 3.4/4.0 at a top-15 private university (Majors in economics & political science)
Grad GPA: 3.87/4.0 in MAcc program with tax concentration at a regional public university
GMAT: 720 (78%Q, 97%V)
Calc I-III (A's) - that's it
Professional: CPA certified, mid-size accounting firm with focus in not-for-profits & manufacturers, AICPA member
Research: Negligible - a couple of econometrics papers during undergrad
Grad class in tax research (A) & ad hoc tax research at work
My research interests lie broadly in socioeconomic effects of tax policy and incentives
Teaching: 1 year as graduate teaching assistant for business intro class
Recommendations: Probably pretty good
I really want to go to University of Missouri or University of Iowa since I want to stay in the area. Is there something I can work on in the near-term or a way to shore up my application so that it's competitive? Should I mention my family commitments or will that just scare the admissions committee? Do you have any suggestions for me? Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!